SURPRISING GIFTS—URANUS AND YOUR PLANETS

The concrete mind is the form building faculty. Thoughts are things. The abstract mind is the
pattern building faculty, or the mind which works with the blueprints upon which the forms are
modeled. The intuition or pure reason is the faculty which enables man to enter into contact with
Universal Mind and grasp the plan synthetically, to seize upon divine Ideas or isolate some
fundamental and pure truth.

Alice Bailey, A Treatise on White Magic, p. 365

Uranus is the only planet whose axis of rotation is its equator. In other words it revolves
horizontally around the Sun on its “belly” with its northern pole always facing our
systemic star. All the other planets in the solar system revolve more or less vertically
around their polar axis. Even physically Uranus is an outsider, a bohemian, a globe that
goes its own way! It is no wonder then, that its effects on our lives are the most
unpredictable of any of the other planets in the heavens. People ruled by Uranus tend to
be “strangers in a strange land”. Indeed on one level, Uranus is the planet of eccentrics,
social misfits, sociopaths and Hells Angels. On another level, it produces pioneering and
inventive geniuses such as Thomas Alva Edison, an Aquarian and thus governed by
Uranus, the planet that rules electricity. It also rules aviation (Aquarian Charles
Lindbergh), revolutionary political activism (Aquarian Angela Davis), and astrology
(Aquarian Evangeline Adams, the “mother” of modern astrology).

We could say, that the fundamental principle behind the function of Uranus is to
individuate. Aquarius is the polar opposite to Leo, the sign of creativity. Just as the
primary creative force in the solar system, the Sun, works through Leo to produce various
forms of creative self-expression, Uranus through Aquarius defines creativity even
further. Uranus on the personality level is always indicative of creating difference
through the use of the will. When Uranus dominates a strongly personality-centered
human being, such a man or women will strive to be different or contrary for difference
sake alone. In this respect, one may dress unconventionally, have blue or green tinted hair,
seek out avant-garde or bohemian friends, engage in various forms of political or social
protest, and in extreme cases, express pointedly antisocial behavior. Simply stated,
Uranians do not do what is expected of them nor what they are “supposed’ to do! These
are not necessarily negative traits in themselves, for such people strike at the core of the
established order, creating an atmosphere whereby society is forced to question its
collective values. Yet when such Uranian characteristics are not consciously linked to the
soul and to the purpose of human evolution (which is definitely propelled along the way
by Uranian influences), then such antisocial and individualistic behavior can be said to be
egocentric in nature, taking more than it gives.

Homosexuality for example is ascribed to the influence of Uranus and same sex unions
can be symbolized astrologically by Uranus/Venus contacts, especially in Libra, Scorpio
or Aquarius. Racial equality and equality between the sexes can also be symbolized by
Uranus in Libra. In the case of the values inherent in the Constitution and The
Declaration of Independence of the USA, the constitutional principle of the right of each
human being to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, may also be symbolized by
Uranus in Libra or Aquarius.

Uranus functioning on the soul level has quite a different purpose. As the esoteric ruler of
Libra and exoteric ruler of Aquarius, the function of individual and group relationships is
to bring about greater harmony and healing in terms of the human collective. This
happens through the reorientation of consciousness from its focus in the obsessive urge to
satisfy all personal desires, to a humanitarian expression in service to others. Libra
represents an energetic field wherein the values and energies of the personal and the soul
may meet, harmonize and balance. Uranus’ orbit lies beyond the rings of Saturn. It is in
one’s ability to incorporate the soul-centered nature of Uranus into one’s life that allows
one to receive a great gift. This is the transformative state whereby the self-conscious
individual (symbolized by Leo) merges into a greater group orientation (symbolized by
Aquarius). This transmutative process is called the Path of Discipleship. It is symbolized
by Scorpio, the sign in which Uranus has its exaltation. In this there is a profound
message, one that the reader is invited to pause, reflect and ponder.

What other gifts come from this radical, revolutionary, and eccentric planet? Once a
person has undergone the necessary transformations, not the least of which is the
attainment of “loving detachment” or the ability to become a trained observer/healer as
well as a participant in life, Uranus offers the following:

1. A heightening of the intuition. A person awakened by Uranus is capable of

perceiving the quality of the energy of life inside of its many forms. Thus when
one looks at another individual, you do not just see the form of that person’s body
and are attracted or repelled based on personality dominated instincts. You
actually “see” the being that lives inside of that body. In the same way, when
seeing a painting, you do not merely like or dislike the color scheme or subject
matter appearing on the canvass. True intuition also allows the observer to
experience the consciousness and state of mind of the artist who painted the
picture.
2. Quickens the urge to improve the established order in one’s environment. Uranus
is the planet of the Seventh Ray of Ceremonial Order. When it stimulates your life
energies, it allows a person to be in touch with the relationship between the outer
order of society and the inner order of the Willto-Good. Thus one is ever ready to
serve the highest principles contained in any social situation and be an agent for
transformation so that the greater good may predominate. I speak here not in
poetic or idealistic terms but in the reality of those who perceive and act in the
world in this way. And there are many (with room for many, many more!).
3. Fosters individual activity within a group context. Soul-centered social aspirations,
a true perspective of collective need, and direct contact with Spiritual Will
(expressing itself through the soul as the Will-to-Love), are blended through
Seventh Ray activity and focused in are solar system through Uranus. In effect,
Uranus leads the individual to the Occult Way, or the Path of Divine Knowledge
and the practical application of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings in daily life.
Let me speak now about the effects that Uranus has when it is in contact with the other
planets. Please note that the symbol (+) indicates the trine or sextile aspect, while the
symbol (-) indicates the square, opposition, or inconjunction. The conjunction (c) of
Uranus with another planet produces variable results and is dealt with accordingly in the
following paragraphs.

Uranus and the Sun: A combination that produces a highly individualistic and willful
nature. The expression of Uranus/Sun contacts as in all planetary combinations depends
on the level of consciousness of the individual as well the geometric aspect. Basically, the
urge is to be oneself, indisputably singular in nature. In essence, the person is saying,
“After I was born, God destroyed the pattern.” But is this extreme individuality
egocentric or soul-centered? Ideally with the (+) and in certain cases the (c), the
personality easily links with others in order to demonstrate universality and inclusivity of
being. A humanitarian disposition is evidenced in those of higher consciousness. The (-)
aspects and sometimes the (c) may produce a “Mary, Mary quite contrary” nature. One
that obeys no laws but her own and even then breaks those laws as the mood and
circumstances of life change. In all cases, the person is high-spirited with a tremendous
need for individual freedom at all costs. The only exception to this is when the
Uranus/Sun person becomes drawn into a separatist cult or radical political group, in
which case such liberty is (unknowingly) sacrificed.

Uranus and the Moon: In those with the consciousness to do so, this combination gives
the ability to perceive the nature of all the archetypes and categories through which
human life takes place. It is an excellent aspect for an astrologer or social worker. There
is an attunement to group situations and when well aspected, a talent for nurturing group
consciousness. This is especially true with the (+) aspects and at times also with the (c).
The (-) aspects as well as conjunction gives an especially strong need to rebel against past
patterns of behavior, whether these are anchored in the family, society, or both.
Uranus/Moon aspects are not the easiest on the emotional nature as there is a tendency to
either be with people who are not emotionally available and/or to be unavailable oneself.
Erratic or sudden emotional changes are common and with the (-) or (c), a person can feel
that the source of one’s emotional nurturing has suddenly shifted or been unexpectedly
removed. On the most basic psychological level, this gives definite challenges
surrounding the relationship with one’s mother.

Uranus and Mercury: This combination is a blending of two octaves of mental energy:
the rational and the intuitive. With the (+) this blending works very well and the person is
highly perceptive and is easily able to express these perceptions through the written and
spoken word. Information from various sources comes easily to such a person and he or
she definitely knows “who’s who and what’s what”. Such a blending is not so simple a
task with the (-) aspects. One can be right for the wrong reasons and a block often exists
between knowing something and being able to express it correctly. The conjunction can
produce a mind that is overly active, although this doesn’t necessarily diminish one’s
natural talents and genius. In all cases, there is a tendency to be too busy and the (c) and
(-) aspects often lead to a general nervous disposition.
Uranus and Venus: In general, the influence of Uranus leads one to be very
experimental. When Venus is involved, such experimentation is expressed through
relationships or unconventional behavior. Venus/Uranus aspects when acting at their
most positive, free a person from prejudice and racism. They actually contribute to a
person wanting to know people from other lifestyles as well as from different ethnic or
national backgrounds. They also produce people with unusual or eclectic artistic tastes.
The conjunction gives an intense need for social interactions and diverse friendships. The
(+) aspects bring out all of the above tendencies with easy and fluidity while the (-) often
bring complications into one’s life from relationships. Often, one is attracted to people
who are not just different; they are inappropriate or even harmful.

Uranus and Mars: When activated from the level of the soul and especially when in (+)
aspect in the natal chart, Uranus/Mars contacts produce courage and the ability to strive
for social justice no matter what the risk may be to oneself. Mars rules the sexual process
from the level of the personality, while Uranus holds this rulership from the level of the
soul. When harmoniously linked, they can promote the reproduction of those forms in life
that are clearly representative of the soul’s intent in the present incarnation. When in (-)
aspect in the horoscope of a soulcentered individual, this can also be accomplished but
the cost and risk may be greater and social oppression and other such challenges may
accompany one’s good efforts. In the life of the personality-centered, Uranus/Mars
aspects, including the (c) can promote a harmful sexual orientation. They are known to
appear in the charts of people who have been either the perpetrators and/or the victims of
sexual abuse and general violence. On a more positive level, all Mars/Uranus aspects can
be used for the purpose of creating social justice and advancing a helpful social agenda
even in the face of serious opposition.

Uranus and Jupiter: From the esoteric perspective, contacts between these two planets
can bring about some wonderful results. Jupiter is the esoteric ruler of Aquarius, bringing
the Second Ray energy of love and wisdom into the scope of all human relationships
(Aquarius, ruled exoterically by Uranus). Look for people with strong connections
between these two planets to be eager for learning. Usually such individuals also have
very eclectic and highly specialized philosophical and spiritual leanings. With the (-)
aspects, there is the tendency to be too experimentalist in their orientation to higher
knowledge. This is sort of like being a member of the “Guru of the Month Club”,
jumping from teacher to teacher and teaching to teaching.

Uranus and Saturn: When in (c), there is the tendency to invent new rules and
regulations for one’s personal conduct. These change depending on life circumstances, so
that we can say that such a person is experimenting in various forms of participation in
the collective social life of which we are a part. The (+) contacts between Saturn and
Uranus often give the gift of a person who is capable of bridging generations and uniting
people of different political or social views. Usually, especially if either of these planets
is in a mutable sign, there is a certain flexibility in adapting to changing rules and
regulations in business, law, or other forms of social structures. The (-) aspects create a
definite feeling of being oppressed or limited by such collective regulations. The
individual prefers to be a law unto himself and is definitely not too comfortable in
obeying rules. “Besides,” he is likely to state, “those rules were made by and for other
people— not me.”

Uranus and Neptune: This combination is generational by nature and usually not
personal unless these planets are also connected to the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or
Mars. If the consciousness is evolved enough, wherever Uranus and Neptune touch the
chart, there is a raising up of the energies involved into a much more collective or
universal level. The Uranus and Neptune in aspect to the Sun (ex. Sun is Gemini conjunct
Uranus in Gemini trine Neptune in Libra) can give a person who is very broad and liberal
in his or her outlook. This is a man or woman whose communicative talents (Sun/Uranus
in Gemini) will be used to bring illumination and healing to others (Neptune in Libra). As
80% of people born in the 20 century have Neptune sextile Uranus, this gives the
th

majority of us the potential to be in contact with the transcendental forces that flood the
Earth. Unfortunately, most people cannot respond to such positive, evolutionary impulses
and thus Uranus/Neptune contacts remain “invisible”.

Uranus and Pluto: These aspects also color generations more than individuals with their
influences. Primarily, Uranus/Pluto serves to break down social patterns and structures,
allowing a more integrated contact on the level of the collective consciousness. Thus the
generation born in the middle 1960’s with Pluto conjunct Uranus in Virgo can be
considered the parents of the “computer age”. They are the ones who invented those
processes and techniques that allow such inventions as the internet and the world wide
web to bring people together from all over the world via technology and electrical
(Uranus) linkages, thus transforming (Pluto) society forever. A person who experiences a
Pluto/Uranus contact in the horoscope personally is one who is consciously acting as an
agent for the transformation of the collective consciousness. On a more mundane,
personality-centered level, I have noticed that people with strong Uranus/Pluto contacts
with the Sun and/or Moon tend to be nervous, restless, and not easily comfortable with
their social settings and surroundings.

© Alan Oken, All Rights Reserved